Tonle Sap Waterbirds and Floating Village Adventure

A magical day with an abundance of birds in a flooded forest wonderland!

Duration

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11.5 hours

Availability

Z

Nov-Mar

Peak season

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Dec-Feb

Starting Point

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Siem Reap

Tonle Sap is the largest natural lake in Southeast Asia, increasing in area by up to 3x annually as the floodwaters of the Mekong River cause the Tonle Sap river to flow backwards and fill the lake. Situated at the western end of the great lake is the largest waterbird colony in Southeast Asia.

It is an astonishing site to visit. Prek Toal is globally important for eight species of bird; Spot-billed Pelican, Greater Adjutant, Lesser Adjutant, Milky Stork, Painted Stork, Black-headed Ibis, Oriental Darter and Grey-headed Fish-Eagle. Thousands of commoner waterbirds also breed here, and over 150 species have been recorded. The colony is at its busiest between December and April, but most species can be found throughout the year.

What’s included?

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Entry & admission fees

All entry and admission fees are included in the price.

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Transfers

You will be collected and dropped back to your hotel.

N

Refreshments

Water will be provided to you throughout the trip.

N

Meals

Breakfast and lunch will be included.

M

Tip or gratuity

It is your own decision should you wish to tip staff.

M

Wifi

Wifi not available outside of major cities and towns.

Itinerary

Subject to change depending on seasons and personal requests

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05:30 – Pick Up

Pickup from your hotel by an English speaking SVC guide and travel to Chong Khneas or Mey Chrey.

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06:00 – Board the Boat

Board the boat to take us across the great Tonle Sap Lake to Prek Toal, with breakfast and a full briefing from the guide on the way.

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07:30 – Prek Toal

At Prek Toal we will pick up a ranger for the boat trip into the core bird reserve flooded forest, where we may have to transfer to a local community boat.

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09:00 - Treetop Observation Platform

Arrive at the treetop observation platform opposite the bird colonies to view the panorama of the flooded forest reserve and teeming birdlife.

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11:30 – Lunch

Arrive back at Prek Toal and have lunch in a floating restaurant.

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13:00 – Optional Boat Tour

Paddle boat tour of the floating village (optional)

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15:00 – Return Home

Return boat trip to Siem Reap, arriving back at your hotel around 17:00.

Location

Title

Address

Description

Siem Reap

Pokambor Ave, Krong Siem Reap, Cambodia

Prek Toul

Kaoh Chiveang, Cambodia

Things to note

Transport

Tuk-tuk or 4*4 Car to the pier

Local Motorboat on the Tonle Sap

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When to go

November to March, though the best time is between December and February. Water levels can change from day to day meaning access to the core reserve shifts.

Species

Mammals: Silvered Langur, Long-tailed Macaque, Smooth-coated Otter, Hairy-nosed Otter. These mammals are very shy and mostly stay clear from humans. Therefore, we will be very lucky to see these species

Habitat

Seasonally flooded forest and scrub. Open water retreats to reveal muddy lakeshore.

Seasons

Cormorants and darters begin breeding in October, Pelican numbers peak in December or January and storks peak in February. By late March often the only water remaining is along three narrow streams which are thronged with birds until late May when water levels begin to rise. Most birds depart Prek Toal during the rainy season (June-September), although Masked Finfoot is occasionally seen in August.

Things to bring

Sun hat

Sun cream

Appropriate closed-toe shoes. Walking boots are best

Light clothing covering shoulders and knees- this is especially relevant when visiting temples and religious sites. Clothing should not be bright when birding

Insect repellent

Waterproof coat

Small denominations of money. This is especially relevant when entering Northern Cambodia. $20 is the maximum denomination of money that should be taken

Binoculars. SVC charge $5 per person per day to use our Swarovski Optik binoculars

Ear plugs are recommended for multi-day tours. The sound of nature at night in remote areas can be loud

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Sam Veasna Conservation Tours

We believe that it is necessary to provide alternative livelihoods in order to achieve sustainable conservation. By choosing to see Cambodia’s spectacular wildlife with us you are giving local communities those alternatives.

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